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Supervisors delay vote on retroactive Port Security grant, seek surveillance oversight answers
Summary
The board voted to continue consideration of a retroactive Port Security Grant award to the Police Department for one week while supervisors seek answers about whether items purchased fall under the city's surveillance-technology oversight ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors on Sept. 7 voted to continue for one week a resolution that would retroactively authorize the Police Department to accept and expend a Port Security Grant of about $1.16 million from FEMA for sonar, vessel upgrades and training.
Supervisor Peskin moved to continue the item so the board could obtain answers about whether equipment purchased under the grant is subject to Chapter 19B of the Administrative Code, San Francisco's Surveillance Technology Oversight Ordinance (STOO). Peskin said he wanted confirmation from the Police Department and the Port whether the purchases are covered by the local surveillance-technology rules given the grant's maritime jurisdiction.
The motion was seconded by Supervisor Safaie and passed 11-0; the item was continued to Sept. 14.
Why it matters: The grant funds equipment and training for port security, including a vessel-mounted thermal camera and upgrades to existing sonar and response vessels. Supervisors sought clarity on oversight and whether the grant-funded equipment would be subject to local surveillance-technology review.
Next steps: The item will return on Sept. 14 after the Police Department and Port provide the requested information about potential STOO applicability and any exemptions.
